Casa Alianza

Last updated

Casa Alianza is an international non-profit organization and the Latin American branch of Covenant House. It is a non-governmental organization (NGO) providing shelter, food, immediate crisis care, and an array of other services to homeless and runaway youth.

Contents

History

Casa Alianza was founded in Latin America in 1981 in response to the rampant human rights abuses taking place throughout the region. [1] Casa Alianza was founded by the U.S.-based organization Covenant House, [2] [3] [4] with the first site being founded in Guatemala. Covenant House proceeded to found Casa Alianza Honduras in 1987, [5] Casa Alianza Mexico in 1988, [6] and Casa Alianza Nicaragua in 1998 [7] In addition to Casa Alianza's operations in direct support of children, the organization also has founded three separate fundraising and advocacy branches in Germany and the U.K. [1] In Switzerland, Casa Alianza Switzerland, an independent association under Swiss law, was founded in 1997 to support Casa Alianza programs in Latin America. [8] The organization's international headquarters remains in New York City and is led by Kevin M. Ryan, the former commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (see Kevin Ryan (charity executive)). [9] Including the work of Casa Alianza, Covenant House now serves 71,000 children throughout the Americas each year. [10] "Casa Alianza" is the Spanish translation of "Covenant House". [6]

Awards

In 1996, Casa Alianza in Latin America received the Swedish Olof Palme Prize for an "outstanding achievement in the spirit of Olof Palme". [11] [12] The prize was conferred for the organization's "dedicated work to help street children in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico" and "for the courageous defence of the rights of these children" [1] and was awarded by "Andrée Ruffo and Pierre Dionne, the President and Director General respectively". [1]

In 1999, Casa Alianza in Latin America received the International Award for Children's Rights [1] from the International Bureau for Children's Rights in Montreal, Canada. [13]

In 2000, Casa Alianza received the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, which is claimed to be the "largest humanitarian award in the world". [14] Though the award now comes with a US$1.5 million prize, [14] Casa Alianza received $US 1.0 million in 2000, which apparently was designated for the building of the Hilton Home ("Hogar Conrad N. Hilton") [15] with a capacity of 94 beds. The award was presented by Queen Noor of Jordan. [15]

In 2002, Casa Alianza in Guatemala received the Jorge Angel Livraga Award for its work with street children. [16]

In 2006, Casa Alianza in Guatemala received the Order of the Quetzal award, which is the highest award that the Guatemalan government bestows upon those doing humanitarian work in Guatemala. [17]

In 2007, on 19 September, Casa Alianza in Guatemala received the Reina Sofia Award for its drug addiction program serving street children. [18] [19]

Honduras

Casa Alianza Honduras was co-founded by Jose Manuel Capellin, and works with children from 12–18 years old. [20] The Honduras branch of Casa Alianza, much like the others through Latin America, focuses on services ranging from street outreach to residential care to family reintegration and preparation for independent life. [21] Casa Alianza Honduras is perhaps best known for its continual push to bring to light the extrajudicial killings of children and young people. [22] In addition, the 2008 Human Rights Report published by the U.S. Department of State cites Casa Alianza as providing nearly half of all beds available for displaced and homeless youth in the country. [23]

Guatemala

On 16 January 2009, Casa Alianza Guatemala declared a financial crisis, ceased operations, and shut down. [24] Prior to closing, Casa Alianza Guatemala was the largest service provider to homeless youth in Guatemala, serving nearly 150 children each night in its residential program and having one of the region's strongest legal support programs for disenfranchised youth. It appears, however, that Covenant House has sponsored a new organization in Guatemala, Asociacion La Alianza, which is in the process of relaunching activities based out of Casa Alianza Guatemala's former facilities. [25] The primary activities of the new organization seem to be focused on fighting the crime of human trafficking via victim protection (residential program). [26]

Mexico

Casa Alianza Mexico was founded in 1988 by Covenant House. The organization serves children from 12 to 18 years of age and comprises six separate homes. [27] The Cenzontle Home phase 1 and 2 home is for newly arrived boys, while the Cenzontle Home phase 3 home is for young men with a longer time in the program. [27] The Quetzal Homes follow a similar structure, with 3 separate homes (phases 1, 2 and 3) that serve a range from newly arrived to long-term stay girls and young women. [27] The SEDAC/Hogar Palomas serves young mothers with their babies up to the age of 24. [27]

Nicaragua

Founded in January 1998, Casa Alianza Nicaragua proceeded from a long history of support from Nicaragua's first two freely elected presidents. Both Violeta Chamorro and Arnoldo Aleman publicly expressed support for bringing Casa Alianza to Nicaragua, [28] and ultimately Covenant House moved for its foundation. Following its foundation in January 1998, August of the same year saw the opening of a residential program for 26 boys and 8 girls coming off the streets. [28] Although Casa Alianza Nicaragua's age range was 14–18 in its early existence, it quickly moved to a range of approximately 10–20 in response to the nation's need. [28] In 2001, Casa Alianza Nicaragua opened a young mothers program for 15 mothers and their babies as well as a separate residence for 25 formerly homeless young girls. [28] In 2003, the Conrad N. Hilton Home in Managua was completed and formally dedicated with the help of a US$1.0 million prize stemming from the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Award. [15] The home would house 94 beds for formerly homeless young boys and girls. [15]

Casa Alianza Nicaragua participated in the 2010 Street Child World Cup in Durban, South Africa, placing in a tie for 3rd with the United Kingdom. [29]

José Manuel Capellín

Having served at one time or another as National Director of Casa Alianza in each of its four countries, as well as 20 years as the National Director of Casa Alianza Honduras, José Manuel ("Menin") Capellín is perhaps the most consistent, well-known and well-respected figure of Casa Alianza's 29-year history in Latin America. The Spaniard was recently recognized as one of 13 Modern Heroes in the Fight Against Human Trafficking, [30] [31] [32] an honor bestowed by the U.S. Department of State in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report. Menin retired from the post as National Director of Casa Alianza Honduras in 2012. [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central America</span> Subregion of the Americas

Central America is a subregion of North America. Its political boundaries are defined as bordering Mexico to the north, Colombia to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Central America is usually defined as consisting of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Within Central America is the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, which extends from northern Guatemala to central Panama. Due to the presence of several active geologic faults and the Central America Volcanic Arc, there is a high amount of seismic activity in the region, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, which has resulted in death, injury, and property damage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honduras</span> Country in Central America

Honduras, officially the Republic of Honduras, is a country in Central America. Honduras is bordered to the west by Guatemala, to the southwest by El Salvador, to the southeast by Nicaragua, to the south by the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Fonseca, and to the north by the Gulf of Honduras, a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea. Its capital and largest city is Tegucigalpa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Free Trade Area of the Americas</span> Failed 2005 trade agreement for North and South America

The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) was a proposed agreement to eliminate or reduce the trade barriers among all countries in the Americas, excluding Cuba. Negotiations to establish the FTAA ended in failure, however, with all parties unable to reach an agreement by the 2005 deadline they had set for themselves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conrad N. Hilton Foundation</span> American non-profit charitable foundation

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is an American non-profit charitable foundation, established in 1944 by hotel entrepreneur Conrad Hilton. It remained relatively small until his death on January 3, 1979, when it was named the principal beneficiary of his estate. In 2007, Conrad's son, Barron Hilton announced that he would leave about 97% of his fortune to a charitable remainder unitrust which names the foundation as the remainder beneficiary.

Bruce Campbell Harris also known as Bruce Campbell Harris Lloyd OBE was the Executive Director of Casa Alianza, a charity whose aims are the rehabilitation and the defence of children.

Children International is a global nonprofit humanitarian organization that helps children break the cycle of poverty. It addresses children’s critical needs through early intervention and regular interaction in community centers. The goal is to help children overcome the effects of poverty, support their education, and prepare youth to contribute to society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central American Bank for Economic Integration</span> International multilateral development financial institution

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration - CABEI was founded in 1960. It is an international multilateral development financial institution. Its resources are invested in projects that foster development to reduce poverty and inequality; strengthen regional integration and the competitive insertion of its member countries in the global economy; providing special attention to environmental sustainability. Its headquarters are in Tegucigalpa (Honduras) and has regional offices in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

Covenant House is a large, nonprofit organization in the Americas, whose goal is to provide safe housing and holistic care to youth ages 16–21 experiencing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking. Covenant House was officially incorporated in 1972, and offers services including healthcare, educational support/GED preparation/college scholarships, job readiness and workforce development programs, substance use treatment and prevention programs, legal services, mental health services, services for young families, and transitional living programs.

Alonso de Maldonado Diez de Ledesma, was a Spanish lawyer and a member of the second Real Audiencia of Mexico, which governed New Spain from January 10, 1531 to April 16, 1535. He was also president of the first Real Audiencia of Guatemala, and in that capacity interim governor of Guatemala from 1536 to September 15, 1539. He was governor of Guatemala a second time, from 1542 to 1548.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NPH USA</span> American nonprofit organization

NPH USA is a non-profit organization operating in Latin America and the Caribbean to support the homes, health services and educational programs of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. They aim to help children overcome poverty and become leaders in their own communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central American Integration System</span> Economic and political organization

The Central American Integration System has been the economic and political organization of Central American states since 1 February 1993. On 13 December 1991, the ODECA countries signed the Protocol of Tegucigalpa, extending earlier cooperation for regional peace, political freedom, democracy and economic development. SICA's General Secretariat is in El Salvador.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maurice Machenbaum</span>

Maurice Machenbaum is a Swiss social development and project management expert and philanthropy advisor. He was the appointed treasurer of the World Scout Committee, the main executive body of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, from 2007 to 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Ryan (charity executive)</span> American businessman (born 1967)

Kevin Ryan, was the president and CEO of Covenant House International, one of the largest charities in North and Central America serving homeless, trafficked and sexually exploited youth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Agatha</span> Pacific tropical storm in 2010

Tropical Storm Agatha was a weak but deadly tropical cyclone that brought widespread floods to much of Central America, and was the deadliest storm in the eastern Pacific tropical cyclone basin since Hurricane Pauline in 1997. The first named storm of the 2010 Pacific hurricane season, Agatha originated from the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a region of thunderstorms across the tropics. It developed into a tropical depression on May 29 and tropical storm later, it was dissipated on May 30, reaching top winds of 45 mph and a lowest pressure of 1000 mbar. It made landfall near the Guatemala–Mexico border on the evening of May 29. Agatha produced torrential rain all across Central America, which resulted in the death of one person in Nicaragua. In Guatemala, 152 people were killed and 100 left missing by landslides. Thirteen deaths also occurred in El Salvador. Agatha soon dissipated over Guatemala. As of June 15, officials in Guatemala have stated that 165 people were killed and 113 others are missing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honduras–Mexico relations</span> Bilateral relations

The nations of Honduras and Mexico established diplomatic relations in 1879. Both nations are members of the Association of Caribbean States, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.

The Primer Congreso Interamericano de Mujeres was a feminist meeting held from 21 to 27 August 1947 in Guatemala City, Guatemala. It was called together by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and hosted by the Unión Democrática de Mujeres of Guatemala. This organization had been formed by Angelina Acuña de Castañeda, Berta Corleto, Elisa Hall de Asturias, Gloria Menéndez Mina de Padilla, Rosa de Mora, Irene de Peyré, and Graciela Quan immediately following the Guatemalan 1944 coup d'état to push for recognition of women's civil rights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 in Central America</span>

The following lists events that happened during 2020 in Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ibero-American Alliance for Peace</span> International non-governmental organization

The Ibero-American Alliance for Peace (Spanish: Alianza Iberoamericana por la Paz) is an international non-governmental organization working to promote peacebuilding, human rights and disarmament in the Ibero-American region. Co-founded in 2016 by Angelo Cardona and Maria Teresa Barrios in Berlin during the world congress 'Disarm for a Climate of Peace' of the International Peace Bureau. Initially the coalition was the International Peace Bureau Youth Network (IPBYN) for the region of Latin America known under the name of Latin American Youth Network for Peace'

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central America under Mexican rule</span> History of Central America (1822–1823)

From January 1822 to July 1823, the Captaincy General of Guatemala, a former Spanish colony, was controlled by the First Mexican Empire, and briefly, the Supreme Executive Power—the provisional government that succeeded Mexican imperial rule. The captaincy general consisted of the provinces of Chiapas, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—the six southernmost provinces of the Mexican Empire. The incorporation of Central America brought Mexico to the height of its territorial extent.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Street Children Charity Casa Alianza - Central America & Mexico". Archived from the original on 25 March 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  2. ↑ "Casa Alianza (Costa Rica, México, Honduras, Nicaragua y Guatemala)". 12 May 2004 – via habitat.aq.upm.es.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ↑ "| La Iniciativa de Comunicación". www.comminit.com.
  4. ↑ "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
  5. ↑ "Covenant House Honduras helps homeless kids - Covenant House". Archived from the original on 7 March 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  6. 1 2 Archived copy casa-alianza.org.hn (in Spanish) Archived 28 November 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ↑ "Covenant House Nicaragua helps homeless kids - Covenant House". Archived from the original on 17 March 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  8. ↑ "Casa Alianza Suisse" . Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  9. ↑ Kevin Ryan (commissioner)
  10. ↑ "Our history of giving homeless kids shelter, food, clothes, and safety. - Covenant House". Archived from the original on 22 March 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  11. ↑ "Apoyan a miles de niños de la calle - el Universal - Estilos" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  12. ↑ "La Casa Alianza está 'honrada' y 'orgullosa' por el premio Reina Sofía contra las drogas" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 26 February 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  13. ↑ "IBCR". Archived from the original on 18 April 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  14. 1 2 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize
  15. 1 2 3 4 "Archived copy" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. ↑ "Anuario 2005" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  17. ↑ "Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores - Buscar" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 19 March 2009. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  18. ↑ Unicef document (in Spanish)[ permanent dead link ]
  19. ↑ Primerisima, La (28 January 2022). "noticias". Radio La Primerisima.
  20. ↑ "Entrevista con el director de Casa Alianza en Honduras | Catholic Relief Services". Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  21. ↑ "Entrevista con el director de Casa Alianza en Honduras | Catholic Relief Services" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  22. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 29 March 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  23. ↑ "2008 Human Rights Report: Honduras". 26 February 2009. Archived from the original on 26 February 2009.
  24. ↑ prensalibre.com, 17 January 2009, Casa Alianza cierra puertas por crisis económica, Retrieved 26 July 2009 (in Spanish)
  25. ↑ Archived copy (in Spanish) Archived 26 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  26. ↑ "Asociaci?n la Alianza". Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  27. 1 2 3 4 "Fundación Casa Alianza México I.A.P. - ¿Quiénes somos? - Cultura organizacional" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 27 January 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  28. 1 2 3 4 "Casa de acojida en Nicaragua" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 20 December 2009. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  29. ↑ "猿でもわかる仮想通貨の読みもの | 初めての仮想通貨投資に役立つメディア".
  30. ↑ "José Manuel Capellín, un asturiano testigo de la salida del país de Zelaya". 29 June 2009.
  31. ↑ "Premio para José Manuel Capellín de Casa Alianza". 26 July 2011. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011.
  32. 1 2 Press release covenanthouse.com [ permanent dead link ]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.